Catheter

Overview

A catheter is a thin, soft, hollow tube used to drain urine (pee) out of your bladder. The most common kind is a urinary catheter. It goes in through the small opening where urine comes out (the urethra) and up into the bladder. A tiny balloon at the tip is filled with water so the tube stays in place, and the other end connects to a bag that collects the urine. Some catheters stay in for a few days; others are put in briefly and taken out straight away. Some people learn to slide a thin tube in and out themselves a few times a day — this is called intermittent self-catheterisation. Others have a catheter that goes in through a small hole in the lower belly (a suprapubic catheter). A catheter is a tool, not an illness — it is used when your bladder needs help to empty.

Yes, urinary catheters are extremely common. They are used every day in hospitals around the world, and many people go home with one for a few days or weeks. Some people use one long term.

Anyone can need a catheter, at any age. They are more common in older adults, in people who have just had an operation or an anaesthetic, in men with an enlarged prostate, in people with nerve or muscle problems that affect the bladder, and in people who need help with personal care or are nearing the end of life.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• A strange or slightly uncomfortable feeling when the tube is first put in — this usually settles within a day or two
• Bladder spasms — a sudden cramping or twitching feeling in your lower belly, or a strong 'I need to pee' urge even though the tube is draining
• Urine flowing into the bag, which may look pale, dark, or slightly cloudy at different times of day
• Mild soreness, dryness, or redness where the tube goes in
• Getting used to carrying a bag, and to planning when to empty it
• Needing to think about how the tube sits when you sit, stand, or sleep

Symptoms in children

• Young children may cry, wriggle, or pull at the tube, especially at first
• A child who cannot explain what is wrong may show pain in their face, go quiet, refuse to drink, or act clingy
• Older children may feel embarrassed about the bag, particularly at school — talking it through with their nurse and teacher can help a lot
• Ask your child's nurse to show you both how to hold the tube safely when lifting or moving your child

Symptoms in older adults

• New confusion or unusual drowsiness can be the first sign of a urine infection in an older person — it should never be dismissed as 'just old age'
• A higher chance of urine infections, especially when a catheter is left in for a long time
• Tugging the tube or tripping over it can lead to falls — keep tubing tucked away and the bag off the floor
• The skin around the tube can become sore or break down, so check it every day
• Constipation is common and can stop the catheter draining properly

Causes

Main causes

• You cannot empty your bladder (this is called urinary retention) — for example because of an enlarged prostate, severe constipation, or after an anaesthetic
• During and after some operations, to keep the bladder empty and to measure how much urine you make
• When you are very unwell and your care team needs to keep a close eye on your fluid balance
• Nerve or muscle problems that stop the bladder working normally, such as after a spinal injury or with some long-term conditions
• To keep urine away from a wound or sore skin in the genital area so it can heal
• To keep you comfortable and dignified in palliative or end-of-life care
• To collect a clean urine sample when a normal sample is not possible

Risk factors

• Having a catheter in place for a long time — the longer it stays, the higher the chance of problems
• Being older or frail, or having diabetes
• A weakened immune system
• Not keeping hands, the tube, and the drainage area clean
• Constipation
• Pulling or tugging on the tube
• Having had a urine infection before

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• You have a high temperature, or you feel hot, shivery, and generally unwell
• No urine is draining and your lower belly feels full and painful
• There is blood in your urine or in the bag
• The catheter has come out and you cannot pass urine
• The skin around the tube is very red, swollen, or painful, or there is pus

Book a routine appointment if:

• You want to talk about how long you need the catheter and whether there are other options
• You are finding it hard to manage the bag at home, at work, or when out and about
• You have questions about sex, swimming, travel, or clothing
• You keep getting small problems such as leaking or blockages
• You feel low, anxious, or embarrassed about having a catheter

Diagnosis

Needing a catheter is not a diagnosis in itself — it is a decision your healthcare team makes after talking with you and checking how your bladder is working. They will ask about your symptoms, your medical history, and any medicines you take. A simple scan of your belly can show how much urine is left in your bladder. If you have an ongoing bladder problem, they may do more tests to find the cause.

Tests that may be done

• A bladder scan — a painless handheld ultrasound that shows how much urine is left in your bladder
• A urine test (dipstick and sometimes a lab culture) to check for infection
• Blood tests to check your kidney function and general health
• An ultrasound scan of your kidneys and bladder
• Urodynamic tests — special tests that measure how your bladder fills and empties
• A look inside the bladder with a thin camera (cystoscopy) if the cause is unclear

What to expect at your appointment

Putting in a catheter takes just a few minutes and is usually done by a nurse. You will be asked to lie down, and the area will be cleaned. The tube is lubricated and slid gently in — it may feel uncomfortable or cause a brief stinging, and many people feel a strong urge to pee. Once the tube is in, the urine drains straight away and the discomfort usually settles. You will be shown how to look after the catheter and the bag before you go home.

Treatment

The main 'treatment' is looking after the catheter properly and reviewing often whether you still need it. The sooner a catheter can be removed, the lower the chance of infection. Your team will choose the type that suits you — for example a short-term catheter, a longer-term one, a leg bag for daytime, a larger night bag, or a valve that lets you empty your bladder at set times instead of using a bag.

Self-care at home

• Wash your hands with soap and water before and after touching the tube or the bag
• Clean the area where the tube goes in once a day with plain water and mild soap, wiping away from the body — avoid antiseptics and talcum powder
• Keep the bag below the level of your bladder so urine does not flow backwards
• Empty the bag when it is about two-thirds full, and keep the tap clean
• Keep the bag off the floor and tuck the tubing so it does not kink or get pulled
• Drink plenty of fluids unless your doctor has told you to limit them — this helps keep urine flowing and reduces infection
• Eat fruit, vegetables, and whole grains to avoid constipation, which can stop a catheter draining
• Check the tube and the skin around it every day for redness, swelling, or leaking
• Ask your nurse when your catheter should be changed and who will do it

Medical treatments

Your nurse or doctor will put the catheter in, show you how it works, and decide with you how long it should stay. A district or community nurse can change it at home, or you can attend a clinic. If a urine infection develops, your doctor may prescribe medicine to clear it — always ask your own healthcare team what is right for you, and never use leftover medicines. Your team will also treat any underlying cause, such as constipation or a prostate problem, and will review regularly whether the catheter can come out. Some people are taught to do intermittent self-catheterisation, which avoids a tube staying in all the time and greatly lowers the risk of infection.

When is surgery considered?

Most people do not need surgery to have a catheter. A catheter can be placed through the skin of the lower belly (a suprapubic catheter) as a small procedure, usually with local anaesthetic — this is sometimes chosen if a long-term catheter is needed or the usual route is not suitable. Occasionally an operation is recommended to fix the underlying cause, such as surgery for an enlarged prostate or for a bladder problem, and this may mean you no longer need a catheter at all.

Living with this condition

Life with a catheter settles into a routine quite quickly. You will empty the bag several times a day, usually using a small leg bag under your clothes for daytime and a bigger bag that hangs on the bed at night. Many people keep a spare bag, wipes, and hand gel in a small bag when they go out. Showering is normally fine — most bags can be disconnected briefly or taped out of the way; ask your nurse how to do this safely with your type of catheter. Gentle exercise, work, and social life are usually all possible. Sex is possible too — many people find an empty bag and a little planning make it easier, and your nurse can give you practical advice without embarrassment.

Lifestyle tips

• Wear loose, comfortable clothing that makes the tubing and bag easy to reach
• Use a leg bag or a catheter valve during the day if you prefer not to carry a large bag
• Plan rest stops and toilet or emptying breaks on journeys
• Keep a small kit with you: hand gel, wipes, and a spare bag
• Tell a trusted friend or family member how to help if you need it
• Avoid heavy lifting or straining at first, as this can make the tube pull

Diet and exercise

Drink regularly through the day — water is best, and many people find that citrus drinks and caffeine can irritate the bladder. Enough fibre in your diet keeps you regular, because constipation is a common and easily missed reason a catheter stops draining. Gentle movement such as walking helps your bowels and your mood. Avoid strenuous or contact exercise while the tube is in unless your nurse or doctor says it is fine. If you have a heart or kidney condition and have been given a fluid limit, follow that advice.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

It is very common to feel embarrassed, self-conscious, or frustrated about having a catheter, and some people find it affects their body image, relationships, or sleep. These feelings are real and worth talking about — they are not silly. Tell your nurse or doctor how you feel; practical changes such as a different bag type, a valve, or a change of routine can make a big difference. If low mood or worry is lasting more than a couple of weeks or affecting your daily life, please speak to your GP or a mental health professional. If you ever have thoughts of harming yourself, contact your local emergency number or a crisis helpline in your country straight away — help is available.

Prevention

You cannot always avoid needing a catheter, but you can help avoid problems with one. Ask your care team whether you really need it and how soon it can come out — every day a catheter stays in raises the chance of infection. If you need one long term, ask whether intermittent self-catheterisation or another option might suit you better. Good hand hygiene, regular bag emptying, treating constipation, and keeping the area clean are the most effective things you can do.

Vaccines

There is no vaccine for needing a catheter. Staying up to date with your routine vaccinations is still good for your general health, so speak to your GP or pharmacist if you are unsure.

Screening programmes

There is no screening test for needing a catheter. If you have a long-term catheter, your care team will check it and review it regularly, and they may test your urine from time to time — you do not need to ask for a urine test at every visit, as testing when you have no symptoms can lead to unnecessary treatment.

Complications

If left untreated

• Urine infection, which is the most common problem — it can spread to the kidneys and, rarely, into the bloodstream
• The catheter becoming blocked, so urine builds up and your bladder becomes painful and swollen
• Bladder stones and bladder spasms with long-term use
• Damage or soreness to the tube's opening or the urethra from pulling or dryness
• Skin problems around the tube, especially in people who are less mobile
• Falls or reduced independence caused by tubing and bags
• A smaller bladder that holds less urine over time with long-term drainage

Long-term outlook

The outlook is good for most people. Many catheters are only needed for a few days and are removed without any lasting effects, and bladder function often returns to normal. For people who need one longer term, modern bags, valves, and community nursing make daily life very manageable, and continence teams can offer real improvements in comfort and confidence. Speak to your healthcare team about your own situation — they can tell you what is realistic for you and what to watch for.

Find support

External links open third-party websites. Ruqelo Health is not responsible for external content. Listing an organisation does not imply endorsement.